Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is expecting to have an almost fully fit squad at his disposal within the next two weeks.

Brazilian midfielder Anderson has recently returned from a knee injury, while Tom Cleverley, Chris Smalling and Antonio Valencia are close to making a return to fitness.

Ferguson believes that reappearance of squad members will boost his side's chances of winning the Premier League title.

"The good thing is I'm getting players back," he told MUTV. "Anderson is back now, Cleverley will be fit for next week [against West Brom on Sunday] and Chris Smalling will be back for Thursday [against Athletic Bilbao].

"Valencia should be back for the away trip the week after. If we've got a full squad it gives us a better chance [to win the league]."

United's only lengthy absentee is captain Nemanja Vidic.